While the world tries to make sense out of Matthew
Shepard's death, maybe his most important
political act was his life. He was gay, and for a
while he lived that way.
--Reported by Harriet Barovick, John Cloud and Michael Duffy, Time Magazine, Oct. 26, 1998.

Matthew was born on December 1, 1976, in Casper. He was the oldest son of Judy Shepard and Dennis Shepard. He attended Crest Hill Grade School, Dean Morgan Junior High and completed his sophomore year at Natrona County High School. He was a member and an acolyte in St. Mark's Episcopal Church. For his last two years of high school he attended the American School in Switzerland (TASIS) in Lugano, Switzerland, where he graduated in 1995. During those years, he traveled through Europe.

After high school, he attended Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C., and Casper College. He then moved to Denver, where he worked several jobs. He was attending the University of Wyoming, majoring in political science/foreign relations with a minor in languages. He enjoyed the theater and had parts in several Casper College and Stage III Theater plays. He was also quite active in politics and campaigned for several candidates. He was selected as the student representative for the Wyoming Environmental Council. He enjoyed soccer, swimming, running, camping, hunting, fishing and snow skiing, as well as dancing and theater.

Sadly, his life ended here.

Matthew had gone to a local college hangout the night he was attacked. Two closed-minded people who hated those different from themselves men had plans to find a gay target, and then to proceed to beat him and rob him of his possessions. Matthew was that young man. After being brutally beaten, he was tethered to a wooden fence. He was not discovered until about 18 hours later, by bicyclists.

Matthew died on October 12th, after 5 days of being on life support.

While his life has ended, the story of the impact of Matthew's life, and death, continues. In his death, he has made the world aware of the horrible nature of hate. He was a gay man, and he died for living as who he was. The world has shared in the pain that he went through, and the anguish that his family has endured. Not only did they have to deal with the brutal murder of their son, but also the hatred of those who picketed at the funeral of this young man.

However, they have also received a tremendous amount of support from many people of all walks of life. The family has been very grateful for all the support and sympathy they have received over the past several months.

Megan Shepard, Matthew's cousin, wrote and read a poem at his funeral:

"Matthew"

by Megan Shepard, October 12, 1998

An angel with new wings
In a place a world away
Can once again begin to sing
God took him in his arms today
He blessed his soul with loving care
And took away his pain
His life story all would share
His memory on their hearts a stain
So young a heart destroyed
For a cause unforgotten
Another's mind deployed
The result of a tragedy rotten
The tragic hero that's hard to find
A martyr with great courage
God's lamb in rare design
Never to be discouraged
Our love for him forever strong
His image will never fade
We'll meet him again before long
Temporary goodbyes we now must bade
Matty, I love you with all of my heart
I wish you only knew how much
You'll be happier with this brand new start
The world's hearts you have now touched

If you would like to learn more about the life of this young man who died far too young, or send condolences, please visit these sites:

Online Resources About Matthew Shepard
MattShepard.org
President Clinton's speech

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